Daegu: Another rain delay proved to be no obstacle for Samsung Lions' ace pitcher Won Tae-in, who delivered a stellar performance in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason. Won led his team to a 5-3 victory against the SSG Landers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, securing a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five first-round series.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Won's impressive outing was characterized by 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball, where he struck out five batters and allowed only five hits and one walk. Despite a 37-minute rain delay after the first inning, Won remained composed and effective on the mound, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
The rain delay did little to disrupt Won's rhythm, as evidenced by his ability to navigate the Landers' lineup with precision. After conceding a leadoff single in the second inning, Won quickly regained control, inducing an inning-ending double play. The Lions then built a 3-0 lead by the bottom of the third inning, further bolstering Won's confidence.
The only blemish on Won's performance came in the fourth inning when he allowed an RBI single to Choi Ji-hoon. However, the Lions extended their lead to 5-1 in the fifth inning, and Won continued to stifle the Landers until he was relieved in the seventh inning. Notably, Won's 105-pitch effort was just one shy of his season-high, set in a previous game against the NC Dinos.
Reflecting on the rain delays that have punctuated his recent starts, Won expressed frustration but maintained his focus. "I was just hoping that the game would resume as quickly as possible," he remarked after the game. Despite the challenges, Won's determination and skill were evident, earning him a standing ovation from the crowd as he left the mound.
With the series tied at 1-1 before Monday's game, the Lions' victory marked a crucial turning point. Historically, teams that have won Game 3 in a tied first-round series have gone on to win the series, a fact not lost on Won. "I knew how important this game was for us," he stated. "Winning this game gave us a huge momentum swing."
As the postseason progresses, Won remains focused on refining his performance, acknowledging the need to manage his pitch count more effectively. He humorously suggested that a complete game shutout might be his next goal, underscoring his commitment to excellence.